CHAPTER 539: SNOWDROPS AND GOODBYES

The following day arrived so quickly it seemed as if time had flown by in the blink of an eye.

In the courtyard, the entourage had gathered, ready to embark on their journey to Gerhard Palace, where the other knights awaited to join Kiev’s mission.

The Mederian Prince would be accompanied by Eric, Garin, and Armel, with the teenager serving as their guide through the shortcuts leading to both the duchy and the City of Tarnova. Four of Kiev’s escorts would also travel alongside them.

Across the courtyard, the mansion’s household stood assembled to bid the group farewell.

Everything—and almost everyone—was already in place, except for Kiev, Anna and Kyren.

"Is this journey happening or not? Or are we expecting more delays?" Garin asked, impatience leaking into his tone as he turned to Eric.

"Give it a moment, will you?" the second-in-command knight replied. "You know your sister, she’s the soft-hearted one. She’s probably having a hard time letting her husband go."

Armel, already holding the reins of his horse, looked eager for departure. But when his gaze fell on little Rhen nestled in Jessy’s cradle, a flicker of sadness crossed his face.

"Take good care of him, Madam Collins. Rhen’s a good boy. He won’t give you much trouble," he said.

Jessy smiled and was about to respond when Drystan interjected.

"Don’t worry, nothing’s going to happen to your dog. It’s not like Sir Parker here would turn him into stew," he teased, throwing an arm over his comrade’s shoulder.

"Hey! I’ve got a conscience, you know! I don’t cook anyone’s pet!" Luke barked in protest.

Drystan smirked.

"Really now? Who was it that once tried to skewer and roast every running animal we saw on patrol?"

Luke raised a finger, pointing right back.

"He’s lying!" Then he held up his palm in mock solemnity. "I swear, I’m not that reckless!"

Drystan’s laughter rang through the courtyard, lightening the air and easing the gloom of parting.

Just then, Kiev and Elis emerged from the main doors. Contrary to what many expected, the princess consort appeared calm and composed.

The Mederian Prince, clad in his travel attire, looked every bit the noble warrior—sleek and refined. His usually loose hair was now neatly braided, lending him a cleaner, more dignified look.

"Good morning, Your Highness! You’re looking sharp today," Eric greeted with a grin, clearly impressed by the Mederian Prince’s new appearance.

"Good morning. Sorry to keep you all waiting," said Kiev as he approached. "Elis was helping me get ready and with my hair, especially. It took a little longer than expected."

"No worries! Your horse has been prepared in the meantime," said the second-in-command knight with a smile. "By the way, that braid suits you, Your Highness."

Kiev ran his fingers along the braid, a proud smile tugging at his lips.

"You think so? Elis said it would help keep my hair from tangling while riding. I never considered that before, but it makes sense now. The wind always gets it in my face."

"That’s because you have beautiful, soft hair," Eric commented playfully.

"Perhaps I should style it like this more often. It does feel much more comfortable," said Kiev, chuckling.

"Well, with such a talented hair-stylist, I’m sure you could," Eric added, grinning knowingly.

At that moment, Anna and Kyren arrived to bid the group farewell. After exchanging pleasantries, the grand duke stepped forward.

"I pray for your safe journey and hope you achieve all that you set out to do. My knights will serve you well and give their best. Should you need anything, please don’t hesitate to turn to Eric. He’ll see to it," said the grand duke warmly.

Kiev nodded gratefully.

"I’m already thankful for your generosity in lending me your finest men. I promise to make full and proper use of the resources you’ve entrusted to me."

"Please do," Kyren said, a faint grin forming. "And don’t go easy on them. Push them to their limits and let them prove their worth as the Knights of Gerhard."

Kiev’s gaze then drifted toward Anna’s belly before he looked up, smiling gently.

"Your baby bump is showing now. Please take good care of yourself. Eat well and rest often, and make sure your husband protects you at all times. I’ve put quite some effort into saving you both, after all. Now that I’ve passed the guardianship to him, I trust he’ll look after you properly."

"Worry not, Prince Kiev. You know Kyren would move heaven and earth for me," said Anna with a wide grin. "Come back soon. We’ll all be waiting for you, especially Elis."

"I will." Kiev nodded.

"Don’t forget the mana feeding," the Mederian Prince then reminded Kyren. "Jessy will guide you with the frequency until you’re used to it and can tell on your own when it’s time."

"I will," Kyren promised with a smile. "And I’ll miss having you around to nag me about taking care of her."

Kiev chuckled.

"I’ll miss you too, brother," he said to him.

"I’ll miss you more!" Callis chimed in, standing beside Rafe. "Now I’ll have no one to argue with!"

"You can always quarrel with your husband," teased the Mederian Prince. "Didn’t you already do that a few days ago?"

"Haaa... Brother!" Callis groaned, puffing her cheeks in mock irritation.

Rafe laughed softly and rubbed the back of her head.

"Kiev’s just teasing us. Don’t mind him."

The Mederian Prince smiled faintly, his gaze softening as he watched his sister and her husband. He was grateful that the stubborn, outspoken Callis had married someone as kind and steady as Rafe—even if he could be blunt at times.

"Take good care of my sister, Rafe," Kiev said sincerely. "She can be a little annoying, but she has a good heart."

"Really? That’s what you think of me?" Callis protested, crossing her arms.

"Well," Kiev said with a grin, "thank goodness you have a husband who can handle you with such patience. Otherwise, I’d be the one suffering the headache."

Callis’s lips twisted in a sour pout, but her brother only laughed, watching as Rafe tried to soothe her. Though both were still young, the healer’s calm maturity balanced the princess’s spirited, childlike temper perfectly.

Kiev’s laughter faded into a gentler tone as he turned to his sister again.

"I left my bow in my chamber and sealed it with my magic," he said quietly. "If an emergency ever arises and you need me, shoot the arrow into the sky. I’ll sense it and come to you immediately."

"I’m sure with His Highness the Grand Duke around, we won’t be needing to call you," Callis said with a confident grin.

"Who knows... I’m just taking precautions," replied the Mederian Prince.

"This is my brother, Rafe... always overthinking and imagining the worst," Callis remarked with a sigh.

"No, I’m not!" Kiev retorted, feigning offence. "It’s just my habit to worry about the people I care about, especially when I’m about to leave them."

Callis rolled her eyes. "Whatever you say."

"No more fighting, you two," Rafe interjected, raising a hand to ease the tension. "Kiev’s about to set out on a long journey and leave you here for the first time. Of course he’s worried."

"See? Even your husband agrees with me," said Kiev smugly, clearly enjoying his small victory.

Callis pulled a long face.

"Don’t be like this," Rafe coaxed gently. "You won’t see him for a while. Do you really want to send him off in this way?"

Her crimson eyes flicked between the two men she cherished most. Guilt quickly softened her expression.

"I’m sorry," she murmured, her gaze lowering. Then, unable to hold back, she threw her arms around her brother. "I’ll miss you, brother! I know I will!"

Kiev chuckled softly, patting her back.

"You’re married now, Callis. Stop being such a child and listen to your husband. It’s time to be a little more mature."

"Stop nagging me!" she cried, half-laughing, half-sobbing as she thumped his chest lightly.

Kiev laughed heartily, then gently pulled away, placing his sister back into Rafe’s embrace. His gaze lingered for a moment—deep, affectionate, and heavy with the quiet weight of responsibility.

"Take care of her," he repeated. "I mean it, Rafe. She’s my only sister, and I’ve never left her in anyone else’s care. Whatever happens, don’t let her put herself in danger."

Rafe met his eyes and nodded solemnly.

"I will ensure her safety," Rafe said firmly. "I swear, I’ll never let her take a reckless action, and I’ll protect her with my life."

The Mederian Prince felt a quiet sense of relief at the healer’s unwavering resolve.

"Take care, too, Your Highness! I wish you a safe journey!" Athillia called out brightly.

Kiev smiled at her warmth.

"Thank you. I should also express my gratitude for keeping my wife company the other day and for coaxing her when she was troubled. You and the ladies gave her good advice and came up with a fine plan."

Athillia grinned sheepishly.

"Ah, that was nothing! Lady Raychard was the real mastermind. We only helped with the preparations."

Kiev nodded, his smile carrying a hint of amusement.

"Of course. Princess Anna has always been the clever one," he said, glancing towards the smiling princess. "She has a talent for surrounding herself with capable people. I hope you’ll be happy here as her lady-in-waiting."

"I will, definitely!" said the Bargesian Princess with a bright smile. "Besides, I’ve got a chaperon who can keep me entertained whenever I get bored!" she joked, giving Eli’s shoulder a playful pat.

"Ah!" the young knight winced, his face tightening upon receiving the slam.

Athillia gasped.

"Oh no, I forgot! You’re still not fully recovered!"

Eli drew a deep breath, trying to mask the lingering pain.

"I’m fine," he said through a strained smile.

"You shouldn’t even be out here! You should be resting!" Athillia scolded, hands on her hips.

"How could I?" Eli protested. "Everyone’s here to send off His Highness. Of course I had to come too!"

Their bickering drew a soft chuckle from Kiev. He had already suspected that these two young hearts harboured feelings for each other, though pride and inexperience kept them from admitting it.

Allowing them to remain together under the ’pretence’ of chaperonship had been Anna and Meredith’s quiet little scheme to let affection bloom naturally between them.

"Let Callis heal you afterwards, all right? You can’t be a proper chaperone and escort if you’re still hurt like this," said the Mederian Prince.

"See? I told you!" Athillia huffed, glaring at Eli.

"He was too shy to ask," Ayden chimed in. "Kept saying it’d hurt his pride."

Clara, standing beside the assistant healer, smirked knowingly. They had told the young knight the same, but Eli stubbornly refused to listen.

"No pride will be hurt," said Kiev evenly. "You’ve received your punishment and learned from it. From now on, you must maintain good health so that you can protect Princess Anna, Lady Athillia and the others. That’s your duty, Sir Henderson. Don’t take it lightly."

Eli bowed deeply. A word of advice from Prince Kiev, one of the men he most respected, struck him to the core, changing his perspective almost instantly.

"I’ll see to it, Your Highness."

"Not the answer I wish to hear," Kiev said, his tone turning firm. He glanced toward his sister and demanded, "Callis, make sure he’s completely healed before the end of the day."

"All right, brother. As you say," Callis replied.

Eli straightened and said earnestly, "Thank you, Your Highness. Your benevolence is most gracious."

Kiev gave a satisfied nod, his expression softening.

The Mederian Prince’s gaze then swept over the gathered faces one last time.

He had yet to depart, and already his heart ached with longing for the warmth, the laughter, and the family he was leaving behind.

The Gerhard mansion had given him something far more meaningful than he had expected. He arrived on a mission to claim his betrothed, but instead discovered friendship, camaraderie, and, most importantly, true love.

What would it feel like when the time came for him to leave them behind for Semeta?

All eyes were on him, each face filled with quiet encouragement.

Noah, Damon, and Alex... even without words, he could tell from their smiles that they were rooting for him. If not for their duty to guard the pregnant Khasif and their families, they surely would have joined him on his journey.

Kiev felt fulfilled and resolute.

Turning to his wife at his side, he said softly, "It’s time... I’m going now."

At first, the princess consort remained composed. But when the word ’going’ reached her ears, her heart grew unbearably heavy.

Kiev held her hands. The surroundings quieted, giving space for the couple’s farewell.

Elis looked down, fighting to stay strong, yet when he called her name, "Elis..." the dam broke.

Tears she had tried so hard to hold back slipped free before she could brace herself.

"Hey... don’t cry."

His gentle tone only made her heart ache more.

Kiev’s calloused fingers brushed away her tears before he tilted her chin up with a smile.

"You’re stronger than this. I know you are."

"I’m not trying to stop you, Kiev. It’s just... just—"

Her voice failed, swallowed by the lump in her throat. He didn’t press further, only drew her into his arms, wrapping her gently in his embrace.

The Mederian Prince whispered softly into Elis’s ear, assuring her that their separation would be brief and that they would meet again soon.

The tender sight moved everyone watching, especially the pregnant ladies, whose eyes had already grown misty.

"I’ll be back before you know it," Kiev murmured.

When Elis finally calmed, he pulled away and looked at her fondly. Then, facing her, he said, "There’s something I’d like to do before I leave. Wait here."

He turned and walked quickly towards the garden, leaving everyone curious. Moments later, he returned holding a few stalks of white flowers.

"Snowdrops?" Elis asked, her eyes looking down at the white flower.

"Yes." Kiev smiled, pride lighting his face.

"They remind me of you... gentle and pure, yet resilient in the cold."

Elis reached out, thinking he meant to give them to her.

But as she lifted her hand to accept them, Kiev chuckled softly, leaving her puzzled.

"I’m not giving these to your hands."

He stepped closer, their bodies nearly touching as though he might embrace her once more.

"Elis, I wish to adorn your hair with these flowers. This is a sacred custom among the Ro’an and Mederian clans, a ritual shared between soulmates. Although you are not from either clan, I still want to do this in front of everyone. Would you allow me?"

Elis was speechless, tears streaming down her cheeks. Had she saved the world in a past life to deserve such a loving man?

"Yes!" she cried, her voice breaking, not from sorrow, but overflowing joy. "Please do!"

Kiev smiled tenderly and tucked the snowdrops into her hair, arranging them with care.

"You are my mate, my one and only, the other half of my soul. I love you, Elis," he said, lowering his forehead to touch hers.

"I love you too, Kiev!" she sobbed, her trembling hands clutching his waist.

Their lips touched tenderly, a promise to meet again, and after the last kiss, she smiled, showing her lovely dimples that he adored so much.

The moment was beautiful, pure and radiant. The onlookers clapped and cheered for the couple.

Callis sniffled, her nose red from crying.

"Brother is so romantic!" she said, resting her head on her husband’s shoulder.

Rafe chuckled and patted her gently.

"He’s a great man. Aren’t we proud of him?"

The Mederian Princess nodded tearfully, then lifted her hand towards him.

"Yes, I love you too," said Rafe, kissing the back of her hand.

"No, not that. Give me your handkerchief," she sniffled.

"Ah, right!"

He quickly handed it over, and Callis blew her nose loudly.

Kiev then turned, taking his place among his entourage.

"All right. We’d better move now," he said, his red ruby eyes determined.

Garin and Eric nodded in unison.

"Lead the way, boy," said Eric, handing the reins of command to Armel. "You’re the guide of our entourage now."

"Yes, sir!" the teenager replied enthusiastically.

The mansion’s main gates opened, and the guards bowed in respect as the Mederian Prince and his company rode out toward their journey’s path.

From a distance, Elis stood watching — her heart aching as she saw the back of the man she loved grow smaller and smaller.

"Come back safely, my love," she whispered. "My prayer will follow you wherever you go."